'It's right Government is looking to help pubs facing huge rates rises'

MINISTERS 'MUST MOVE AT PACE' TO HELP HARD-HIT PUBLICANS FACING HUGE HIKES IN RUNNING COSTS, SAYS MAYOR, AS LANDLORDS IN CITY FEAR FUTURE

- By TELEGRAPH REPORTER

EAST Midlands mayor Claire Ward has welcomed the Government taking another look at business rates for the pub industry.

The Treasury is understood to be preparing a support package for the industry, due to be announced in the coming days, following an outcry over the impact of a major hike in business rates.

Following a briefing to the media that new support for pubs will be announced in the coming days, ministers are facing pressure to expand it to other businesses, with trade bodies saying “piecemeal responses” will not “save our high streets”.

Mayor Ward said: “I am pleased to see the Government is looking again at the business rates for the pub industry, many of which are facing rate increases in the tens of thousands of pounds.

“This must be done quickly to give the industry reassurance and certainty that they can continue to operate. Pubs are not just a place for a pint - they are community hubs, alleviating social isolation and often the heartbeat of their communities.

“I do not want to see pubs closing because of increasing costs, so I urge the Government to move at pace.

“I will be pushing for the Government to go further and look at the impact business rate changes are having on the wider hospitality industry, such as hotels.